ASSESSMENT OF TIME MANAGEMENT AT FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE JALINGO, TARABA STATE

ABSTRACT

This study assesseded time management in various activities at the Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Taraba state. The objectives of the study were to examine the benefits of time management and the consequences of poor time management, to identify the factors associated with poor time management and strategies for achieving organizational goals, and to evaluate the influence of socioeconomic and institutional variables on achieving overall organizational goals through time management in Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Taraba state. A questionnaire survey was adopted for the study; a structured Time Management Questionnaire (TMQ) was developed and administered to 292 hospital workers randomly selected from a population of 1084 staffs in the hospital. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, Likert scale tests and regression analysis. Findings indicated that 77% of the respondents interviewed had years of experience in excess of five years. In addition, time management allows for scheduling of work plans, dealing with interruption and categorizing tasks. However, poor time management leads to distractions from working on critical tasks, procrastination, disorganization and delay in information circulation. In addition, time management allows for planning daily targets, setting deadlines and organizing tasks. However, the respondents indicated steps adopted by the management of Federal Medical Center to mitigate consequences of poor time management. These are organizing time management seminars and reduce bureaucracy in all activities. The length of time (years) in service at Federal Medical Center significantly contributed to effective time management and achieving overall management objectives. Based on findings, the study recommends staff training on systematic time management, time management practices and principles. Time management tools such as; time log, schedule and Gantt chart should be put in place, this will help employees to manage their time effectively. The management should pronounce clear policies, rules and regulations for employees to save time.